More than half of the children set to start Primary One at Hong Kong’s public or government-subvented schools in the next academic year have secured a place at their preferred institutions, the highest success rate in about 20 years.

The Education Bureau revealed on Friday that 37,581 children had applied for discretionary places in government and aided primary schools this year for admission next September.

Among them, 19,656 or 52.3 per cent will receive a place in these schools – a record high since 2005.

In 2024, the number of pupils securing a spot in their preferred schools stood at 49.4 per cent, or 20,644 applicants.

In 2005, among a total of 51,178 applicants, 26,032, or about 51 per cent, received a place at their preferred schools.

Competition has decreased in recent years amid a shrinking student population and the city’s declining birth rates.